A number of years ago I remember listening to Governor Jim Hunt ("THE Governor," as everyone but the newest of newcomers to North Carolina knows) make the opening remarks at the Emerging Issues Forum. He was explaining how the research, meetings, focus groups and other activities that had led up to the Forum would not stop there. We would take what we learned, and translate it into tangible actions to benefit North Carolina and its people. "The Institute for Emerging Issues," he said, "is not just a think tank, it's a think and do tank." Well said, Governor Hunt!

The Governor's "Think and Do" tagline for the Institute for Emerging Issues (IEI) resonated with many at NC State who recognized that it really describes the culture of our university. Years later, that tagline is core to NC State's brand. It certainly resonates with me, and speaks to the culture we have built in DELTA. The stories featured in this annual report are great examples of how we "think and do" in partnership with our colleagues and stakeholders across the university.

One great example of a "Think and Do" partnership was the collaborative effort with Dr. Clint Stevenson in the Department of Food Science to develop a new online Food Safety Manager's Certificate program. NC State is well known for its expertise in this area, and Dr. Stevenson realized that there was a critical need for food safety education and training, delivered electronically, to meet the needs of the industry. To build an online program that was innovative, engaging and of highest quality, he looked to DELTA for help. Read the story to learn how the team came together to turn thoughts into actions, resulting in the successful launch of this new program.

Taking this theme one step further to "Listen, Think, and Do" is the story about improvements to WolfWare. Through the WolfWare feature request form, stakeholders from across the university submit requests for new features and suggestions to improve the WolfWare environment. The DELTA staff thoughtfully considers each request, evaluates the cost, feasibility and impact, and implements those that rise to the top. This is one of the ways in which DELTA strives to "create a culture of constant improvement" as embodied in Goal 4 of The Pathway to the Future.

The above are but two examples of how DELTA is working with our partners across the university. Take the time to read the stories in this report and learn about DELTA's collaborative efforts to facilitate the success of our students through educational innovation.

Sincerely,

Dr. Tom Miller
Vice Provost, DELTA